JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, June 12, 2023-Donald Downer, M.D. was recently the first physician in North Florida to perform a successful IC-8 Apthera Lens Implant. This lens is the first of its kind. 

Dr. Downer states, “I’m always excited to be on the cutting edge of ophthalmology advancements for cataract surgery, and the Apthera IC-8 IOL is the first of its kind. As the first physician in North FL to use the IC-8 Intraocular Lens for cataract surgery, I liken this lens to a camera.  With the Apthera IOL, light is naturally focused as it enters the eye and seamlessly expands patients range of vision, so they can see objects, people and signage from varying distances. 

 The IC-8 lens provides a solution for patients who have monovision, where one eye is used for distance vision and the other for near vision. With this lens, the near eye can now see both near and far distances. This is a significant improvement from traditional monovision, as it allows for better visual acuity at all distances. Patients who previously could not tolerate monovision due to changes in their distance vision can now benefit from this type of vision correction. This is because the IC-8 lens maintains distance vision, which was previously compromised with traditional monovision. Overall, the IC-8 lens provides a promising option for patients who are seeking improved vision correction and quality of life.

Prior to surgery, we educate patients on the benefits of each lens choice that we offer, so they can make an informed decision that is best for their visual and lifestyle needs.  We strive to provide patients with as much visual freedom as possible, and the IC-8 increases the opportunities for doing so.”

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is now a seventeen physician group.  They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Riverside and Middleburg.  If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons was founded 41 years ago by Dr. C.M. Harris and Dr. John D. Wilcox, created with a commitment to providing Northeast Florida with friendly service and advanced eye care. This patient mission has been represented over the decades by an expanding group of ophthalmologists at Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons, and the patient-first mission has continued on over the years without wavering.

Regarding his co-founder, Dr. Harris stated, “Dr. Wilcox is the consummate ambassador for ophthalmology: caring, compassionate and always willing to lead by example-both in and out of the office. Dr. Wilcox has always been known for his listening ear and ability to relate to his patients, invaluable qualities in medicine and in life. People have trusted Dr. Wilcox, and that trust has been earned.” Prior to founding Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Dr. Wilcox served as a Navy Captain and later in the Medical Corps as a Flight Surgeon and Ophthalmologist, retiring in 2002 after 33 years of service.

Reflecting on his career at Clay Eye Physicians, Dr. Wilcox stated, “Over the past 40+ years, Clay Eye has experienced tremendous growth and I am proud of the practice that we’ve built. While some things have changed, the focus on patient care never has. I’m incredibly blessed to have a wonderful, supportive family coupled with an amazing career. I am leaving my patients in competent hands with my incredible colleagues. As I reflect on my career, it’s heartwarming to know that I have cared for multi-generational families—from grandparents to grandbabies, and for that, I feel humbled and privileged.”

Our practice has grown immensely over the years, now with twelve practicing physicians, four locations, and a wide range of ophthalmic services available to the community. We offer comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Medical Retina, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams. In addition, we offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

We hope you will join us in congratulating Dr. Wilcox on his successful career and celebrating the positive impact our practice has held in the community!

We recognize that it’s challenging to fit everything into a traditional work week. In an effort to accommodate our patient’s needs, we are now offering Saturday appointments at our Mandarin location. Our Saturday office hours will be from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Our comprehensive optical showroom has the latest frame selections, with styles to fit every budget. Our optical team is trained in all aspects of frame and lens choices, including the latest in breakthrough technology. We offer many choices of prescription eyewear as well as non-prescription sunglasses. No appointment is necessary in our optical department, so feel free to come in and look around.

We look forward to seeing you soon. We are located at 11790 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.  Give us a call today to schedule your exam. 904-272-2020

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons is pleased to announce that Susan Frick, O.D. has officially joined their practice. Dr. Frick graduated from the University of Tampa with her degree in Finance, and continued on to Nova-Southeastern University for her Doctor of Optometry Degree. Her education, combined with over 20 years of experience in the Jacksonville area make her an excellent addition to the Clay Eye team.

Dr. Frick is especially interested in comprehensive primary eye care.  She believes that certain diseases can often be identified through routine eye health examinations such as diabetic eye disease, dry eye, astigmatism, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and farsightedness.

“Whether our patients prefer glasses, contact lenses, or surgical treatments to correct their vision, I’m excited to educate them on their disease and help them identify the best treatment plan that is best for them,”  says Dr. Frick.

“Over the years, I’ve worked closely with the physicians of Clay Eye. I have always been impressed with the fact that the practice has been in existence for 40 years.  This speaks volumes about their relationships with each other and their commitment to their patients and community, and I wanted to be part of that.”

Dr. Frick is now accepting new patients.

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – (May 10, 2016) – Sightpath Medical announces the selection of Donald M. Downer, M.D., as MoFe™ Medical Director. In this role, Dr. Downer will advise the company on current and imminent industry trends and best practices as they relate to our technology platforms. The MoFe™ Medical Director also serves as a professional liaison between Sightpath and the current and prospective laser cataract surgeons who use our equipment, as well as the facilities in which they perform cases, to provide perspective and offer clinical peer review.

Dr. Downer has an impressive background in Ophthalmology. He currently performs cataract and refractive surgery in private practice with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Downer also serves as an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, where he assists with the training of young ophthalmic surgeons. He is a cornea surgeon with special interest in lifestyle intraocular lenses, diseases of the cornea, corneal transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction and ocular infectious disease. Dr. Downer is a member of several professional organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Florida Medical Association and the Clay County Medical Society.

“Sightpath is excited to welcome Dr. Downer as our new Medical Director. His philosophy for patient care and innovation closely matches our vision to provide state of the art eye care to residents in every community, regardless of size,” said Joel Gaslin, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Sightpath Medical. “This is an exciting time of rapid change in the ophthalmic industry. For the 425 laser cataract surgeons currently partnering with Sightpath and all those who will be partnering with us in the future to access this technology, I am confident that Dr. Downer will serve as an excellent resource to help them be successful.”

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Fifteen million Americans have Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), a slow, deterioration and loss of one’s central vision. Dr. Donald Downer of Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons recently performed the first CentraSight mini telescope implant, a new surgical procedure to help improve central vision in patients with end-stage ARMD. This procedure was conducted at Fleming Island Surgery Center, and was the first telescope implant to be performed in Northeast Florida. Five hundred CentraSight telescope surgeries have been completed to date in the U.S. The procedure involved surgically placing a miniature telescope in one eye to magnify images, allowing macular degeneration patients to see these images in their central vision. The non-telescope eye continues to see peripheral images.

Russell Pecoraro, M.D., Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina and Macular Degeneration Specialist says, “Age Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in patients sixty and older. The fact that a new FDA approved device allows these patients the opportunity to regain some usable vision is very exciting.”

Donald Downer, M.D, Cornea & Cataract Surgeon, and the lead surgeon for the CentraSight surgery states, “A substantial amount of work goes into screening and selecting the appropriate patients for this surgery. Prior to surgery, patients undergo extensive therapy, which trains their eye to use a telescopic magnifier. These patients also work closely with a low-vision specialist to help adapt to their new world.” Other members of the CentraSight Jacksonville team include retinal practices Florida Retina Institute, Retina Associates, and First Coast Retina, as well as a low-vision optometrist and occupational therapist at Brooks Rehabilitation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently lowered the age of eligibility for the surgery from 75 to 65. There are currently about 100 CentraSight provider teams offering the treatment throughout the U.S., including this team in Jacksonville. The cost for the CentraSight telescope implant and visits associated with the treatment program are Medicare eligible.

Eligible candidates for the treatment must be 65 years or older, and meet several other indications for treatment. Unfortunately, the telescope implant is not a cure for end-stage ARMD. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the telescope implant. Possible side effects include decreased vision or vision impairing corneal swelling. The risks and benefits associated with the telescope implant are discussed in the Patient Information Booklet available at www.CentraSight.com.

About Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Medical Retina, Glaucoma Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams. In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family. Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is a nine physician group. They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin and Riverside. If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com

About CentraSight
CentraSight is the first-ever treatment program that utilizes a tiny telescope implant for end-stage age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the most advanced form of ARMD and the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. Patients with end-stage ARMD have a central blind spot in their vision that makes it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities. The CentraSight treatment program allows patients to see details again by implanting a tiny telescope in the eye in an outpatient procedure, then coordinating with vision specialists to help the patient learn how to use their new vision for everyday activities. For more information visit http://www.CentraSight.com

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, February 1, 2013- February is Macular Degeneration Month. Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older, and as you age, the risk increases. It is a chronic condition that causes central vision loss and affects more than 25 million people worldwide.

ARMD occurs when the macula-the central part of the retina that is important for reading and color vision becomes damaged. Some common symptoms of ARMD are: gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision, and a dark areas appearing in the center of vision. If you notice any new distortion or visual changes, it is critical to contact your eye care provider immediately. Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeon, Russell Pecoraro, M.D. says, “New treatments are currently being developed to treat age related macular degeneration (ARMD). One of the newest products approved by the FDA is Eyelea. Based on study results, Eyelea has been shown to last longer than some of the other treatments, resulting in fewer injections in some patients. In addition, some reports have shown it to work in patients who have failed other treatments.”

He continues, “We are delighted to see continued success with current treatment options in most patients. The results from clinical trials continue to demonstrate stability and improvement in vision with treatment years later. Because of a common factor shared by other eye disease, the same medicine s have been very effective in both diabetic eye disease and retinal vascular diseases.”

Comprehensive eye exams play an important role in your overall health and wellness, and it is imperative that you schedule one every year for optimal vision health. In addition to measuring your vision, regular eye exams can help identify early signs of certain chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Cataract Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Medical Retina, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams. In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is an eight physician group. They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island and Mandarin. If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, February 1, 2013- February is Macular Degeneration Month. Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older, and as you age, the risk increases. It is a chronic condition that causes central vision loss and affects more than 25 million people worldwide.

ARMD occurs when the macula-the central part of the retina that is important for reading and color vision becomes damaged. Some common symptoms of ARMD are: gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision, and a dark areas appearing in the center of vision. If you notice any new distortion or visual changes, it is critical to contact your eye care provider immediately. Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeon, Russell Pecoraro, M.D. says, “New treatments are currently being developed to treat age related macular degeneration (ARMD). One of the newest products approved by the FDA is Eyelea. Based on study results, Eyelea has been shown to last longer than some of the other treatments, resulting in fewer injections in some patients. In addition, some reports have shown it to work in patients who have failed other treatments.”

He continues, “We are delighted to see continued success with current treatment options in most patients. The results from clinical trials continue to demonstrate stability and improvement in vision with treatment years later. Because of a common factor shared by other eye disease, the same medicine s have been very effective in both diabetic eye disease and retinal vascular diseases.”

Comprehensive eye exams play an important role in your overall health and wellness, and it is imperative that you schedule one every year for optimal vision health. In addition to measuring your vision, regular eye exams can help identify early signs of certain chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Cataract Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Medical Retina, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams. In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is an eight physician group. They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island and Mandarin. If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com